Austin, Texas — While the majority of Texans once again have electricity and water, many residents living in low income areas and apartment buildings are still without running water. 

While the City of Austin gave the green light to safely consume water after the winter storm, some apartment properties are opting to leave the water shut off to avoid further damage to apartment units caused by busted pipes,

“The water map has gotten very green where there is potable water across the city. However many apartment complexes especially in low income neighborhoods are still without water and they will be for some time,” said Bob Nicks, president of the Austin Firefighters Association (AFA).

The AFA along with United Professional Organizers, and civilian volunteers are all banding together to distribute water across the city to anyone who needs it. They call their mission Operation Water Way, answering the call of many Austinites who have gone days without running water. The group says it's the largest volunteer water distribution project in the city.

Merlene Felfe is a senior living in an North Austin apartment complex. She’s concerned for her overall health without access to running water in her home.

“They don’t know when the water will turn back on because they don’t have enough plumbers to work on the pipes. It’s really putting a strain on me. With my high blood pressure I might have a stroke or a heart attack.”, said Felfe 

Jeffrey Maass has been volunteering with the operation since the beginning. 

"It’s not just getting drinking water to people. It’s keeping people from losing their jobs and losing their lives,” he said.

Maas wants to help people like Felfe before the situation gets worse. As the need for water continues to grow, the group is calling for more resources and volunteers.

For more about the water project or to sign up to be a volunteer you can go to its website .